On November 5th, 2024, I went to bed at 10 PM PT, fully aware of the ominous direction the presidential election was taking. The looming question that haunts me is: how did this happen?
In my recent TED Talk, I emphasized the political power wielded by social media. Unfortunately, we witnessed misinformation handing the election to the worst possible candidate. No policies, no strategies—just a campaign fueled by hate, lies, and recanting.
Since 2020, the political awakening on social media has hit us hard, and we have yet to recover. We have watched social media platforms transform into money-hungry arenas for billionaires to regain their influence. This has led to a surge of Russian propaganda and, quite literally, the last type of misinformation platform we needed during an election of this stature.
My journey deeper into politics began in 2016, driven by the desire never to see 45 in office again. Over the past six years, I have dedicated myself to registering new voters, educating people about the electoral process, and shedding light on how this system was designed to confuse us. Yet, it wasn’t enough. I’m tired, and I have nothing left to give. It was on November 5th that I realized this country harbors a deep-seated disdain for Black women.
For those who ask, “Are you surprised?”—yes, I am. Kamala Harris ran the perfect campaign in just 100 days, achieving something no one else has done.
So again, how did this happen? We often discuss the impact of the Gen Z vote, but they have failed us, alongside the media.
While there is blame to be placed on White men, White women, and Latinos, we must focus on the young people raised in this online generation. These young White boys have been influenced by Andrew Tate, Adin Ross, Nick Fuentes, Charlie Kirk, and other online incels who mistakenly believe that supporting Trump makes them cool. They don’t grasp the policies at play or what that support entails; they simply see a White billionaire who has ascended to the top.
Consider this: 18-year-olds in 2024 were only 10 years old when 45 first took office.
This is where the media has let us down. There was no comprehensive recap of what Trump’s presidency was like due to the pandemic. All we saw were $1,200 stimulus checks. What about Stormy Daniels? What about the infamous “grab them by the pussy” remark? Why was there no historical context provided about 45’s antics? Why was there no reminder that Russian bots interfered in our election in 2016?
The overall blame does not fall on Black men, certainly not on Black women, nor on Latinos. It rests squarely on White America. They are intent on destroying us because we, as a community, have elevated. They are instilling these harmful narratives in their children, based on lies that have been peddled.
We live in a world where the most nominated person in Grammy history is a Black woman, the greatest athlete is a Black woman, and the fastest woman is a Black woman. Yet, a Black woman who has served in all three branches of government is deemed unqualified to be President, while a reality TV billionaire is not.
Let’s return to social media. In my TED Talk, I outlined three ways to spot fake news online:
1. Spotting Fake Accounts: Check for additional sources. Why is this one news site the only one reporting this?
2. Evaluating Content: Does it feel right? Does it seem like clickbait?
3. Reviewing Comments and Replies: Some users are quicker at evaluating than you are. Lean on your community.
At my social media agency, Get Social With Teja, I focus on combating misinformation while staying relevant to cultural phenomena and educating people about the importance of social justice topics. I’ve built this agency from the ground up.
Today, the online attention span is depleted. A single glance at a headline is often enough for people to believe it—no source, no credibility. But what does credibility mean in a world dominated by figures like Elon Musk, where paying for verification is the norm? We’ve fallen into the trap of chasing likes and retweets, with little regard for the consequences of clickbait lies.
This is how the election turned out the way it did—an intersection of online misinformation and a disconnect from the realities of presidential governance. Trump entered office under the tailwinds of Obama’s economy, while Biden inherited a disastrous economy left by Trump. The ongoing changes to our political structure only add to the confusion.
So, what do we do now?
1. Get rid of the Electoral College.
2. End voter suppression.
3. Appoint someone to the Supreme Court.
4. Urge Democrats to stop playing nice.
The Trump administration is poised to rewrite history, leaving scars that will be felt for decades. Families will be torn apart, women will die trying to access proper healthcare, and our children will endure immense suffering, as will those who labor at the federal minimum wage rate, which remains a paltry $2.13.
America, it seems, does not care about itself.
Now, I want to address Black women directly:
Rest.
We have shown up, organized, knocked on doors, and run the perfect campaign. Yet America remains mired in hate, underestimating our impact and the transformative power we hold. We nurture our Black men, and care for other people’s children; now it’s time to nurture ourselves, including our Vice President.
I hope that in our lifetime, we will see a woman as President, but keep in mind, we saw one as the Vice President. We have come a long way. But for now, we must continue to care for ourselves over the next four years as we brace for the unknown. Just remember: I love us for real, and everything from this moment forward is dedicated to the advancement of Black people—period. Point blank.
Teja Smith
Teja Smith is a media personality and entrepreneur known for her dynamic presence in the entertainment and business spheres. She gained recognition as a social media influencer and podcast host, where she delves into topics like entrepreneurship, personal growth, and popular culture. Smith has built a brand focused on authenticity and empowerment, often sharing insights about navigating challenges in business and personal life. Her work reflects her commitment to motivating others to pursue their goals and build self-confidence.
